Congress, SAD-BJP to lock horns in Punjab assembly's winter session

CHANDIGARH: The winter session of Punjab assembly, commencing here tomorrow, is set to be fiery with main opposition Congress prepared to take on ruling SAD-BJP combine on several issues, including drug abuse, in the state.

The assembly session, to begin from tomorrow with obituary references, is likely to be held for a brief period of three days.

The Congress has attacked the ruling SAD-BJP for keeping the session short claiming that the present government wants to "run away" from debate on key issues concerning the state.

Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Jakhar while describing the session as "murder of democracy" said that Congress wants to rake up key issues, including drug abuse, poor fiscal position, poor infrastructure in urban areas, delays in paddy purchase payment, unemployment, and lawlessness prevailing in the state.

"The Akali-BJP combine in Punjab has failed on all fronts," he said while demanding at least ten sittings.

Some Congress MLAs have alleged that they were not given enough time to prepare questions and submit them in the House.

However, the ruling combine asserted that the government will highlight its achievements in the House.

Leader of House Parkash Singh Badal has summoned a meeting of SAD and BJP MLAs tomorrow to chalk out the floor strategy.

During the session some Bills, including Maharaja Ranjit Singh Technical University, Cattle Fair, Punjab State Legislator Pension and Medical Allowance are likely to be passed, a Vidhan Sabha spokesperson said, adding, there will be two sittings on the second day of the session.